Mental Health

Facing a big life decision? There might be a better way to think through a hard decision than just staring at a long list of pros and cons.

On New Year's Eve, 25-year-old Tommy Raskin killed himself. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland talked with NPR about his son's life and the outpouring of tributes to him.

Many young people across the country are finding this moment extremely scary. Parents, caregivers and teachers can help them cope.

Severe cases of COVID-19 can injure the brain in ways that affect memory, thinking and mood for months after the infection is gone, new research hints. It may even raise the risk of Alzheimer's.

CNN's chief medical correspondent says it's never too late to develop new brain pathways. Even small changes, like switching up the hand you use to hold your fork, can help optimize brain health.

With bad pandemic news and endless social distancing, it can already feel like the longest winter ever. But keeping up nourishing bonds of human connection is possible with a little ingenuity.

One of my patients in this devastating year stands out — a veteran who'd survived PTSD, cancer and family estrangement. Assisted living raised his COVID-19 risk, but also brought him community.

For people who are generally OK — healthy, employed — there's pressure to stay grateful. But those feeling so-called smaller losses also need to grieve and "stop pretending" they're not hurting.

A Black sisterhood of hikers in Colorado now has chapters across the U.S. and Canada, and includes other sports. "Being around nature, it's like grounding yourself," a founder says. "That is vital."

For Jonny Sun, loneliness felt like being an alien on a distant planet, alone in the universe. But when he shared those feelings online, he found a community of people who felt precisely the same way.

During the coronavirus pandemic, monk JayaShri Maathaa continually turned to one powerful mantra: "thank you," a statement of genuine gratitude to provide solace and strength in troubled times.

What can you do when you fear someone you know may be considering suicide? It can feel daunting, but suicide prevention experts say we all can help someone at risk by reaching out and showing we care.